The
Australian Government had provided "First Pass approval" for
project SEA 1448 Phase 4B – ANZAC Air Search Radar Replacement.
The project intends to replace the ageing long-range radar onboard the
ANZAC class frigates with significantly more capable radar, with integrated
and upgraded IFF capability, currently under development by CEA Technologies
in Canberra.

The ANZAC
frigates use their air search radar to scan at long ranges for potential
threats. The radar is an integral part of a modern warship and important
for ensuring the safety of the vessel and other friendly ships in dangerous
areas. The current ANZAC radar is old and requires replacement with
modern technology to maintain the robust front-line capability provided
by these ships.

In addition to the radar replacement, there will be an upgrade to the
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability to comply with future
military and civil Secondary Surveillance Radar aviation requirements.

CEA is an internationally recognised Australian company that developed
the successful Anti-Ship Missile Defence ‘CEAFAR’ radar
currently being installed on the ANZAC frigates.

The new radar will build on this successful technology to deliver a
generational improvement over the current ANZAC long-range radar. The
CEA long-range radar is expected to provide earlier warning of potential
threats and greater situational awareness to the ship and the task group.
The two radars share the same design principles and will provide a significant
capability advantage to our ships.

The Department of Defence will continue to work with CEA to successfully
develop this new technology. As part of a Risk Reduction Program with
CEA, the technology is expected to be demonstrated in 2015-16. In the
event that the Risk Reduction Program is not successful, Defence may
consider military-off-the-shelf radar options.

Government will consider the next steps for the project at Second Pass
approval planned for 2016-17.

The new capability is forecast to be in service by the end of the decade.
It is expected that it will be supported by Australian industry throughout
its life.